Basis of Operational Planning Methodology in Diversified Gas Distribution Systems

Operational planning of gas distribution systems is the most important process to ensure safe and stable use of diverse gaseous fuels. During this process, it is necessary to identify possible future operational risks, predict risk occurrence periodicity, plan risk prevention measures, thus ensuring a continuous supply of different gaseous fuels and/or their mixes to all groups of consumers. Gas distribution networks and their equipment are the basis for a safe and stable gas supply. Taking into account this circumstance, it is fundamentally important to carry out regular repairs of the gas pipeline system, and, if necessary, to replace sections of gas pipelines or some of the equipment. The replacement of elements includes a large set of works, starting with long-time planning and ending with the execution of complicated technical tasks. In operational planning of gas distribution systems, decisions on the further actions must be both technically and economically justified, therefore a rational evaluation of existing situation is necessary, and it should arise from a strictly outlined and regulated, data-driven evaluation methodology. The goal of this paper is to outline the basis of such methodology and serve as an introductory work for a much larger and strictly data analysis-based study.